Traffic cops take strong stand against reckless EC drivers

TRAFFIC police have suspended almost 450 vehicle licences after finding them unroadworthy on Eastern Cape roads since the start of the festive season.

They arrested 83 motorists during the same period whom they found driving under the influence of alcohol.

Eastern Cape transport spokeswoman Khuselwa Rantjie yesterday told the Daily Dispatch that 10 616 fines had been issued during the festive season for various offences.

In addition, 340 stray animals had been impounded alongside some of the major routes, particularly on the R61.

Rantjie said they would continue with their road safety operations until after the ANC’s January 8 Statement address in East London next week.

She said human error continued to pose serious challenges for law enforcement officers on the roads as motorists did not take precautionary measures.

The Daily Dispatch reported shortly before Christmas that around 284 unroadworthy vehicles had been taken off the roads in the province.

Rantjie confirmed most of the vehicles were in the O R Tambo district.

Transport MEC Weziwe Tikana appealed to road users to exercise caution on the roads, saying any irresponsible, reckless and negligent behaviour would be dealt with severely. —